[Bluefinllama]

First time posting even though I've read tons of threads for quite some time (rather a lurker than a stalker).

I come from South Africa and love quality sound, but unfortunately earn Rands (I'm pretty damn poor) - equipment in South Africa is also marked up incredibly high and finding any places to test out / listen to is quite a task (you also only really find mainstream stuff to check out when you find such a place).

So I am in the market for new headphones since my current (stock Samson SR850) has been giving me issues - granted it cost me next to nothing and given me 3 years of service already so they have served me well and will become a modding project soon (no longer stock but working). Before these I've mostly had "gamer" headphones. I use a PreSonus Audiobox USB as a DAC / amplifier (not the greatest, I know but I got it for free).

I've been researching everywhere, but can't decide between a few headsets - will be ordering from Amazon (shipped to South Africa). The following is what I've narrowed my selection down to (in order of cost):

Brainwavz HM5 ($109.50 + $32.35 Shipping & Import Fees)
Sennheiser HD 598 SR ($139.95 + $43.40 Shipping & Import Fees)
Fostex T50RP MK3 ($155.19 + $37.76 Shipping & Import Fees)
Beyerdynamic DT880 Premium 32 ohm ($179.00 + $47.65 Shipping & Import Fees) - these seem amazing, but would prefer a detachable cable, therefore the following was thrown in:
Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus ($179.00 + $50.11 Shipping & Import Fees)
Monoprice Monolith M560 ($184.43 + $47.38 Shipping & Import Fees) + MDR-XB500 pad ($22.71 + $13.73) / Brainwavz Hybrid pad ($27.50 + $15.05) - (my ears fit into the SR850's, not sure if I'd need other pads)
Monoprice Monolith M1060 ($299.99 + $73.78 Shipping & Import Fees)

These all seem like value kings in their respective ranges - if for instance the M1060's are really as good as eveyone says I wouldn't mind paying the price for them, I am leaning a bit towards one of the planar sets as they seem very intriguing (the build quality and versatility of the M560's + planar seems very attractive, but does the M1060's truly eclipse them so much sound wise?).

I appreciate any advice!

 

[serman005]

In my opinion, the headphone with the best value is the HD598SR. That said, the best headphone of those you list in my view is clearly the M1060. The M1060 is also a good value but I just feel that where the 598SR is priced is a really excellent value. I also like the DT880 a lot. Just my take and YMMV, of course.

 

[onevstheworld]

Unless you're going to get a new amp, scratch the Fostex off your list. Those things are notoriously hard to drive... and looking at your amp/dac specs, I don't think it's up to the job.

 

[kukkurovaca]

Unless you're going to get a new amp, scratch the Fostex off your list. Those things are notoriously hard to drive... and looking at your amp/dac specs, I don't think it's up to the job.

Yeah, you would need to factor in the cost of a more powerful amp for the T50RP.

 

[Bluefinllama]

Ah, thought I would be able to drive them with what I've got - inexperience looking at just the impedance

 

[kukkurovaca]

Ah, thought I would be able to drive them with what I've got - inexperience looking at just the impedance

Yeah, their impedance isn't high, but their efficiency is low.

You don't need an expensive amp, FWIW. Walnut F1 ($30) will do the trick nicely.

 

[kukkurovaca]

Yeah, their impedance isn't high, but their efficiency is low.

You don't need an expensive amp, FWIW. Walnut F1 ($30) will do the trick nicely.

Oh, but you also would need to factor in the cost of replacement pads, because you will want to immediately replace the pads.

 

[voxie]

The SoundMagic Vento is a great headphone for the price, Easily driven. Build is metal and robust.